Addressing the launching ceremony of the Azadi Train along with Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, the minister said the Azadi Train is a symbol of national unity which shows the past, present and future of the country.

He said that through the gallery of historic pictures, the new generation would learn how Muslims of the sub-continent struggled under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the achievement of Pakistan.

The floats made part of the train depict how the brave soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces fought against the enemy to thwart its nefarious designs and defend the motherland, the Minister said. The Azadi train will also depict the fight against terrorism and extremism to eliminate this scourge from the society, he remarked. The train will also update the masses about the steps taken for progress and development of the country, he added.

The Minister also appreciated the role of Khawaja Saad Rafique and said once the Pakistan Railways was considered a sick organization but due to the efforts of its Minister and the railways officials and staff it has shown great turnaround.

The Azadi Train started one-month country-wide journey from Margalla Station Islamabad along with floats of different aspects of Pakistan's culture which will highlight the sacrifices of heroes of the independence movement and armed forces for the country's defence.

After performing formal inauguration of the Azadi Train, the ministers and adviser to Prime Minister visited various galleries of the train and also inspected the floats.